Twin brothers Charles and Alan Rosenberg wore variations on this suit-Charles in this hue and Alan in salmon-to various New York events in the late 1980s. Made of a textile reminiscent of the two-toned “sharkskin” fabrics of the 1950s, the jacket also features “action back” details, including folds at the shoulder that allow greater movement, recalling English sporting attire. Japanese designer Mitsuhiro Matsuda, founder of the label Nicole Tokyo, established a reputation early in his career for his references to Anglo-American sportswear traditions. His Fall 1982 collection, for example, included impeccably tailored jackets and textured wool textiles first popularized in rural England for equestrian activities. Matsuda affiliated himself with dance and theater and often presented his designs as performance pieces. The Rosenberg brothers, young artists and models at the time, were recruited to wear these suits together for a major fashion publication.

Irvin, Kate, and Laurie Anne Brewer. “Artist Rebel Dandy: Men of Fashion”. New Haven: Yale University Press in association with Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, 2013.